2013 Texans Draft Needs?

[thunderkyss]

Originally Posted by Insideop

OK, we are 5 weeks in to the season and the Texans stand at 5-0. They just lost Cush for the season, picked up Barrett Ruud, and cut Trindon. They will have Martin doing the KR/PR duties and Lestar Jean is coming off a knee scope. So, has everybody's draft needs changed for the Texans or are they still the same? I know I have been wanting them to get an ILB and a NT for awhile now (Since the last draft.) because I thought these 2 areas were thin. Now my concerns are even more so. What say you?

I'd like to wait till the end of the season, to see where we are, if anything transpired by the trade deadline & how the latest class of FA performed.

With that said, Bradie James needs to be upgraded, WR is still held down by two players over 30, & we're seriously underperforming from an outside pass rushing stand point.

[steelbtexan]

Depending on where the Texans end up drafting.

Rd.1 Jesse Williams NT ALA
Rd.2 Cordarrelle Patterson WR Tenn
Rd.3 Brennan Williams OT North Carolina
Rd.3 D.J. Swearinger S South Carolina
Rd.4 Jake Knott ILB ISU

This draft would make me jump for joy.

[Wolf6151]

Originally Posted by Insideop

OK, we are 5 weeks in to the season and the Texans stand at 5-0. They just lost Cush for the season, picked up Barrett Ruud, and cut Trindon. They will have Martin doing the KR/PR duties and Lestar Jean is coming off a knee scope. So, has everybody's draft needs changed for the Texans or are they still the same? I know I have been wanting them to get an ILB and a NT for awhile now (Since the last draft.) because I thought these 2 areas were thin. Now my concerns are even more so. What say you?

My list of 2013 draft needs was made up almost 5 months ago. Most of those listed needs are still the same but a few have changed. Here's how I see it now:

DT/NT, Cody will be gone next season and Mitchell is nothing special. First round need.
OT/OG, BB has faith in Newton and Kubiak and has been trying to convince me as well. Sorry BB I still don't see it. This is a 2nd round need. Even if Newton does work out we'd still get a guy that would add starter quality depth to the O-line or may take W. Smith's spot in 2013 or 2014.
CB, I think McCain will be gone after this season due to FA and we sure could use some high quality upgrades/depth in the secondary.
WR, I like Martin but Jean has shown nothing special and Posey was just a mistake. Walter might be a salary cut and we need someone to be an explosive #2 with #1 potential. This is an opportunity pick based on BPA.
ILB, Cushing will be back next season but the other ILB spot is a 2 down rotational one. James ain't getting it done but I like Dobbins. We still could use some better quality and younger depth here. Mid round 4-5 need, a better DT/NT lessens the need at ILB.
Safety, is a depth only need but Keo should be gone. We could get better in nickle and dime packages and special teams.
P, Donnie Jones is on the wrong side of 30 and could be upgraded. A good young P to hold the position for the next 10-12 yrs. and cheaper as well.
RB, if Rick Smith is smart he trades Tate in the offseason so we may look at RB as an opportunity pick as well, after the 3rd round.

SBT, I like Patterson as well but I have my doubts that he'll go pro in 2013. I think he stays at Tennessee and is a high 1st rounder in 2014. Good beginnings of a mock though.

[beerlover]

1st WR Need to add vetical weapon oppossite AJ to eventually replace AJ
2nd ILB For obvious reasons
3rd NT/DT Better value for position to groom
4th OT/OG More depth, couple free agents to be
5th DB Another CB if McCain leaves or safety help & special teams/returner
6th TE Need a better blocking TE to shade the tackle
7th RB late round steal, Texans may move Tate

[rmartin65]

Originally Posted by beerlover

1st WR Need to add vetical weapon oppossite AJ to eventually replace AJ
2nd ILB For obvious reasons
3rd NT/DT Better value for position to groom
4th OT/OG More depth, couple free agents to be
5th DB Another CB if McCain leaves or safety help & special teams/returner
6th TE Need a better blocking TE to shade the tackle
7th RB late round steal, Texans may move Tate

This looks good. I would add a pass rush specialist and a QB to groom to give us 9 picks, which seems to be the consensus for how many comp picks we will get.

I will say that RB is a need, since I think there is a very good chance that we move Tate at the draft. Practically no chance we re-sign him after next year, might as well get value if we like the RB group in this next draft, or if Meggett looks good on the PS (which I think is possible).

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Wolf6151

My list of 2013 draft needs was made up almost 5 months ago. Most of those listed needs are still the same but a few have changed. Here's how I see it now:

DT/NT, Cody will be gone next season and Mitchell is nothing special. First round need.
OT/OG, BB has faith in Newton and Kubiak and has been trying to convince me as well. Sorry BB I still don't see it. This is a 2nd round need. Even if Newton does work out we'd still get a guy that would add starter quality depth to the O-line or may take W. Smith's spot in 2013 or 2014.
CB, I think McCain will be gone after this season due to FA and we sure could use some high quality upgrades/depth in the secondary.
WR, I like Martin but Jean has shown nothing special and Posey was just a mistake. Walter might be a salary cut and we need someone to be an explosive #2 with #1 potential. This is an opportunity pick based on BPA.
ILB, Cushing will be back next season but the other ILB spot is a 2 down rotational one. James ain't getting it done but I like Dobbins. We still could use some better quality and younger depth here. Mid round 4-5 need, a better DT/NT lessens the need at ILB.
Safety, is a depth only need but Keo should be gone. We could get better in nickle and dime packages and special teams.
P, Donnie Jones is on the wrong side of 30 and could be upgraded. A good young P to hold the position for the next 10-12 yrs. and cheaper as well.
RB, if Rick Smith is smart he trades Tate in the offseason so we may look at RB as an opportunity pick as well, after the 3rd round.

SBT, I like Patterson as well but I have my doubts that he'll go pro in 2013. I think he stays at Tennessee and is a high 1st rounder in 2014. Good beginnings of a mock though.

To clarify our PMs, Newton is a 6th so not sure Gary goes high with OT +reputation of our Oline coach turning average guys into quality starters. I posted somewhere in last few days that right side is doing very well in blocking for run & entire line is very good at protecting Schaub. If Newton simply holds his own and Harris continues to improve, we are set. OG is much more of a concern for me but Jone has been ok and we'll see Caldwell back against GB.

I like Patterson but think he might remain in school.
I agree on McCain and discovered yesterday that a neighbor of mine graduated high school with him. Martin just got a big break with TH being cut. Posey still has no clue what he is doing but I think Kubes gives him another season. I still have WR but later round.

I awakened during the night thinking Quin will re-sign so I'll probably take Micah Hyde off my current mock. I am hoping Tate for a late first/early second to be used for LSU's Minter ILB. I may go with two ILBs on next mock as we have basically nothing after Dobbins and he needs to be what some of you guys say he is. I can see James & Alexander gone.

I see no reason to replace Jones, Donnie. Punters can be good well into 30s & a vet that does not rattle is worth the extra cost.


Keo is already gone as the Eagles sang.

[Insideop]

Originally Posted by Wolf6151

My list of 2013 draft needs was made up almost 5 months ago. Most of those listed needs are still the same but a few have changed. Here's how I see it now:

DT/NT, Cody will be gone next season and Mitchell is nothing special. First round need.
OT/OG, BB has faith in Newton and Kubiak and has been trying to convince me as well. Sorry BB I still don't see it. This is a 2nd round need. Even if Newton does work out we'd still get a guy that would add starter quality depth to the O-line or may take W. Smith's spot in 2013 or 2014.
CB, I think McCain will be gone after this season due to FA and we sure could use some high quality upgrades/depth in the secondary.
WR, I like Martin but Jean has shown nothing special and Posey was just a mistake. Walter might be a salary cut and we need someone to be an explosive #2 with #1 potential. This is an opportunity pick based on BPA.
ILB, Cushing will be back next season but the other ILB spot is a 2 down rotational one. James ain't getting it done but I like Dobbins. We still could use some better quality and younger depth here. Mid round 4-5 need, a better DT/NT lessens the need at ILB.
Safety, is a depth only need but Keo should be gone. We could get better in nickle and dime packages and special teams.
P, Donnie Jones is on the wrong side of 30 and could be upgraded. A good young P to hold the position for the next 10-12 yrs. and cheaper as well.
RB, if Rick Smith is smart he trades Tate in the offseason so we may look at RB as an opportunity pick as well, after the 3rd round.

SBT, I like Patterson as well but I have my doubts that he'll go pro in 2013. I think he stays at Tennessee and is a high 1st rounder in 2014. Good beginnings of a mock though.

Good post!

NT I agree with some of what you're saying. We do need a NT early on in the draft and I would be good with sbt's pick of Williams in the 1st.

ILB I would like to pick up an ILB sooner than what you have because I'm not sure when Sharpton and Cush will be back and how they will perform. Maybe in the 2nd to 3rd round and I have been hearing/reading about a kid from Western Kentucky named, of all things, Andrew Jackson. Also, James, Ruud, and Dobbins are all getting "long in the tooth" so I think we are pretty thin in this area.

OT/OG May not be as high on my list. I think Newton just needs a little more time to develop and, although Harris is still somewhat of a ?, he has been doing OK and could be our "swing tackle" for now. As for OG, I think we will draft another one. I'm just not sure how late in the draft. I guess it all depends on the development of Brooks and Jones, and how long Caldwell and Wade Smith hold up.

CB/S I think we will resign McCain and GQ and hold what we have, although I know Rick Smith likes to get a DB or 2 somewhere in the draft. And with us hopefully having extra picks I think we will probably get at least 1 DB in the draft. Just not sure where, but probably late for depth.

WR/TE I think it's too early to give up on Jean, Martin, and Posey. I'm hoping, now that Jean will be playing again and K-Mart will be doing KR/PR, that Kubes will start using all 3 a little more in the passing game. They do need to step up. One area I was hoping to draft high in (1st or 2nd) was at TE. I want a "Gronk" clone. And right now we only have 2 listed TE's on our roster (OD and Graham) and OD will be 30 soon.

P They will probably keep D. Jones, but we had the "good young P" you were talking about last year. His name was Hartmann. Wish they could've kept him somehow because he had a strong leg, and if I'm not mistaken, they used him for kickoffs.

RB I could see them letting Tate go and getting a back late in the draft or UDFA.

[steelbtexan]

A playmaking WR that can beat 1 on 1 coverage is a must. IMHO

AJ isn't getting any younger.

My 2 top prospects to fill this need are Aaron Dobson and Cordarrelle Patterson. What do y'all think of these guys and what do they go in?

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Insideop

Good post!

NT I agree with some of what you're saying. We do need a NT early on in the draft and I would be good with sbt's pick of Williams in the 1st.

ILB I would like to pick up an ILB sooner than what you have because I'm not sure when Sharpton and Cush will be back and how they will perform. Maybe in the 2nd to 3rd round and I have been hearing/reading about a kid from Western Kentucky named, of all things, Andrew Jackson. Also, James, Ruud, and Dobbins are all getting "long in the tooth" so I think we are pretty thin in this area.

OT/OG May not be as high on my list. I think Newton just needs a little more time to develop and, although Harris is still somewhat of a ?, he has been doing OK and could be our "swing tackle" for now. As for OG, I think we will draft another one. I'm just not sure how late in the draft. I guess it all depends on the development of Brooks and Jones, and how long Caldwell and Wade Smith hold up.

CB/S I think we will resign McCain and GQ and hold what we have, although I know Rick Smith likes to get a DB or 2 somewhere in the draft. And with us hopefully having extra picks I think we will probably get at least 1 DB in the draft. Just not sure where, but probably late for depth.

WR/TE I think it's too early to give up on Jean, Martin, and Posey. I'm hoping, now that Jean will be playing again and K-Mart will be doing KR/PR, that Kubes will start using all 3 a little more in the passing game. They do need to step up. One area I was hoping to draft high in (1st or 2nd) was at TE. I want a "Gronk" clone. And right now we only have 2 listed TE's on our roster (OD and Graham) and OD will be 30 soon.

P They will probably keep D. Jones, but we had the "good young P" you were talking about last year. His name was Hartmann. Wish they could've kept him somehow because he had a strong leg, and if I'm not mistaken, they used him for kickoffs.

RB I could see them letting Tate go and getting a back late in the draft or UDFA.

RMartin65 & I have been tooting Andrew Jackson horn. Not great in coverage but monster against run.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by steelbtexan

A playmaking WR that can beat 1 on 1 coverage is a must. IMHO

AJ isn't getting any younger.

My 2 top prospects to fill this need are Aaron Dobson and Cordarrelle Patterson. What do y'all think of these guys and what do they go in?

Dobson from small school and needs better stats imo to wow Texans. C.P is real deal.

[Insideop]

Originally Posted by badboy

RMartin65 & I have been tooting Andrew Jackson horn. Not great in coverage but monster against run.

Yes he may be only a 2 down ILB but I like what I'm hearing about this kid. This is what WalterFootball had to say about him:

Andrew Jackson*, ILB, Western Kentucky
Height: 6-1. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Projected Round (2012): 2-4.
9/22/12: Jackson has totaled 21 tackles this season. He held his own against Alabama with seven tackles and 1.5 tackles for a loss.

8/31/12: The Lakeland, Fla. product Jackson grew up in Ray Lewis' hometown and has patterned his game after the future Hall of Famer. Jackson had 109 tackles with 17 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, one interception and one forced fumble in 2011. The sophomore played well against the better competition with 12 tackles and a sack against Kentucky and eight tackles and a sack against LSU.

Jackson is a thumper of a linebacker. He has good instincts and some quickness. Jackson is extremely physical and has real presence on the field with a big-time demeanor. It was his first season of playing time, so the junior has a lot of potential and a high ceiling to get better in 2012 and 2013.


If he's there with the "last pick" of the 2nd I hope they take him. He probably won't make it to the end of 3rd. If he plays like they say he does I think he would be well worth it in the 2nd. Plus, I'm hoping with the extra picks we get for compensation, that we can package a couple together and move back up in the 2nd rd and maybe get a big/fast TE or maybe WR.

[thunderkyss]

Originally Posted by Wolf6151

WR, I like Martin but Jean has shown nothing special and Posey was just a mistake. Walter might be a salary cut and we need someone to be an explosive #2 with #1 potential. This is an opportunity pick based on BPA.

Posey hadn't played football in over a year. I think we'll see a different guy come December/January.

That said, I don't think he'll threaten to replace Andre, which I think is where we need to be looking for a WR, 1st or 2nd round.

[76Texan]

Originally Posted by Fiddler

Posey hadn't played football in over a year. I think we'll see a different guy come December/January.

That said, I don't think he'll threaten to replace Andre, which I think is where we need to be looking for a WR, 1st or 2nd round.

Did you see how Posey chased down Joe McKnight on that return?

That guy ran a 4.40 at the combine.
Posey came from across the field and was still able to catch up to him.
He didn't complete the tackle, but that was some serious speed he got there.

[The Pencil Neck]

Originally Posted by 76Texan

Did you see how Posey chased down Joe McKnight on that return?

That guy ran a 4.40 at the combine.
Posey came from across the field and was still able to catch up to him.
He didn't complete the tackle, but that was some serious speed he got there.

I was impressed by that, too. A lot of heart and desire to not give up on the play and some good speed to catch up to him.

[The Pencil Neck]

There are some things we still need to learn from this season.

1. Is the right side of our o-line going to be OK?
2. Did we have any WRs?
3. Do we have a guy who can challenge Wade Smith for the LG spot?

ILB -- If there is any way in hell we can get Teo, then we get Teo. Otherwise, we need someone to start grooming for the future cause I'm thinking Sharpton ain't the guy.

WR -- If no one steps up out of this WR class, then we need to get someone who will.

RB -- Because we're a run-oriented team. We need as many good young guys coming up through our system as we can get.

DT -- Obviously, Wade doesn't want a classic NT. So let's get a good DT who's better at what Shaun Cody does than either Shaun or Earl are.

CB -- Someone to groom and to learn to do what we need them to do. Can't have too many good CBs.

[Insideop]

Originally Posted by The Pencil Neck

DT -- Obviously, Wade doesn't want a classic NT. So let's get a good DT who's better at what Shaun Cody does than either Shaun or Earl are.

The Packers game should have exposed why we need a "classic NT." With a classic NT being the guy that takes 2 O-linemen to block him, that frees up JJ Watt and/or your LB's to make plays. In the GB game Watt was taking the double coverage leaving Cody to make the play. Ain't happening! Don't know if Wade will draft a bigger NT, but we definitely need on that will command 2 blockers, so Watt or the LB's can do their thing.

[Goldensilence]

Originally Posted by The Pencil Neck

There are some things we still need to learn from this season.

1. Is the right side of our o-line going to be OK?
2. Did we have any WRs?
3. Do we have a guy who can challenge Wade Smith for the LG spot?

ILB -- If there is any way in hell we can get Teo, then we get Teo. Otherwise, we need someone to start grooming for the future cause I'm thinking Sharpton ain't the guy.

WR -- If no one steps up out of this WR class, then we need to get someone who will.

RB -- Because we're a run-oriented team. We need as many good young guys coming up through our system as we can get.

DT -- Obviously, Wade doesn't want a classic NT. So let's get a good DT who's better at what Shaun Cody does than either Shaun or Earl are.

CB -- Someone to groom and to learn to do what we need them to do. Can't have too many good CBs.

Good assessment of each position that can use and upgrade.

I'm interested to see as the season wears on how Justin Forsett performs because it might mean we can move Tate for an extra pick because I don't forsee another big FA signing this off-season.

I do think 1st round WR and ILB are interchangeable depending on who is available. Would love to see the FO make a move up for someone, I think if there is ever going to be a time to make a move for someone to get us over the hump it's going to be this coming draft.

The only way I go 1st round DT is if you get a Ngata clone.

Originally Posted by beerlover

1st WR Need to add vetical weapon oppossite AJ to eventually replace AJ
2nd ILB For obvious reasons
3rd NT/DT Better value for position to groom
4th OT/OG More depth, couple free agents to be
5th DB Another CB if McCain leaves or safety help & special teams/returner
6th TE Need a better blocking TE to shade the tackle
7th RB late round steal, Texans may move Tate

This is pretty much how I have this draft lined up as of today.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Insideop

Yes he may be only a 2 down ILB but I like what I'm hearing about this kid. This is what WalterFootball had to say about him:

Andrew Jackson*, ILB, Western Kentucky
Height: 6-1. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Projected Round (2012): 2-4.
9/22/12: Jackson has totaled 21 tackles this season. He held his own against Alabama with seven tackles and 1.5 tackles for a loss.

8/31/12: The Lakeland, Fla. product Jackson grew up in Ray Lewis' hometown and has patterned his game after the future Hall of Famer. Jackson had 109 tackles with 17 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, one interception and one forced fumble in 2011. The sophomore played well against the better competition with 12 tackles and a sack against Kentucky and eight tackles and a sack against LSU.

Jackson is a thumper of a linebacker. He has good instincts and some quickness. Jackson is extremely physical and has real presence on the field with a big-time demeanor. It was his first season of playing time, so the junior has a lot of potential and a high ceiling to get better in 2012 and 2013.


If he's there with the "last pick" of the 2nd I hope they take him. He probably won't make it to the end of 3rd. If he plays like they say he does I think he would be well worth it in the 2nd. Plus, I'm hoping with the extra picks we get for compensation, that we can package a couple together and move back up in the 2nd rd and maybe get a big/fast TE or maybe WR.

nfldraftscout.com another source I use does not have Jackson even listed. I know what I see when I watch him. He seems to be in on almost every play. Unbelievable motor.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Insideop

The Packers game should have exposed why we need a "classic NT." With a classic NT being the guy that takes 2 O-linemen to block him, that frees up JJ Watt and/or your LB's to make plays. In the GB game Watt was taking the double coverage leaving Cody to make the play. Ain't happening! Don't know if Wade will draft a bigger NT, but we definitely need on that will command 2 blockers, so Watt or the LB's can do their thing.

Agree on bolded.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Goldensilence

Good assessment of each position that can use and upgrade.

I'm interested to see as the season wears on how Justin Forsett performs because it might mean we can move Tate for an extra pick because I don't forsee another big FA signing this off-season.

I do think 1st round WR and ILB are interchangeable depending on who is available. Would love to see the FO make a move up for someone, I think if there is ever going to be a time to make a move for someone to get us over the hump it's going to be this coming draft.

The only way I go 1st round DT is if you get a Ngata clone.



This is pretty much how I have this draft lined up as of today.

Forsett signed one year deal so he would have to re-sign and if he has a good year, might go elsewhere.

Nose, Cody probably gone so you better get someone better than Mitchell and that would have to be before our second round selection.